2K Showcase: New Faces and New Places

In its 11th year, third location, and a different name. The 2K Showcase produced another outstanding two weekend event. The first event was marked by out of state contests and a FOUR overtime instant classic. The second weekend turned into a showcase for Michigan's 2027 class. Which I covered in a previous write up. Going through my notes, another also began to emerge. New (and old) names in new locations. Through either transfer or just natural grade progression. Following are a list of those prospects.   James Young 6-2 2025 Muskegon (pictured) If I was to pick the most impressive team of the event. I would have to go with the Big Reds. They came into Saturday with some questions following the injury loss of star 2026 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1805260' first='James' last='Martin']. On Saturday night, another “James” stepped into this void. Young is a transfer from North Muskegon who also played football at the storied Lakeshore program. He showed Saturday that his talent extends beyond the gridiron. Scored in a wide variety of ways and was an aggressive defender. Hit open shots and attacked the basket when defenders began to close out. I was impressed with his vocal leadership in light of being in his first year in the program. Finished with 20 points and took home game MVP honors.   [player_tooltip player_id='1437546' first='Darryl' last='Thompkins'] 5-10 2025 Muskegon Ann Arbor Huron is very talented but small squad. They tried to counter Muskegon's decided size advantage with highly aggressive pressure defense. Often of the full court variety. How did Muskegon beat it? In a word— [player_tooltip player_id='1437546' first='Darryl' last='Thompkins']. Or is that two? The East Kentwood transfer is a stout ball handler who consistently broke the press all night. Once in the open court was an efficient look ahead passer and collected assists all night. Gets out of trouble by keeping his dribble live longer than most. Is tough to turnover due to his low center of gravity that keeps the ball out reach. Also has a sturdy frame that prevents him from getting pushed around by bigger defenders. Finished with 8 points despite rarely looking for his own shot.   Dequarius Stewart 6-6 2026 East Lansing Stewart is a new face simply because he plays at a very deep Trojan program. Would have played at the varsity level at almost any other program. East Lansing graduated some impressive size at the rim from last years squad. Stewart has stepped into that role seamlessly in his first varsity season. Has done this without the physical bulk of his predecessors. What he does have is extreme length that he utilizes well. Is a constant presence at the rim on both ends of the court. Showed easy elevation with an effortless dunk in traffic. Fluidly ran the court with purpose. Has nice lateral quickness that adds to the defensive package. Has been well tested nationally with the [program_tooltip program_id='2077017' first='Grand' last='Rapids Storm']. Now he is beginning to show it statewide. If the offense catches up to the defense. This could be an intriguing late blooming prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='1890552' first='Randy' last='Chapman Jr'] 6-2 2026 East Kentwood Chapman isn't a new name, nor is he in a new place. However, what he is, is in a new role for the East Kentwood. The Falcons lost a lot of production from last years district champion squad. The also welcome a deep and talented group of sophomores. As a returning junior, Chapman seemed stuck in the middle. Not on Saturday though. Chapman came out firing, scoring 19 points in the first half. Did it mostly from the mid range where he shows the elevation to rise over most defenders. Kept the onslaught coming in the second half to finish with 33 points and game MVP honors. It was more than just offensive fireworks though. Was presence on the boards and had a block. If he can add weight to his slender frame, he could see his profile elevate. Especially if he continues to score at Saturday's clip.   Carter Williams 5-10 2028 Ferndale Williams is a new face simply because he is new to the high school game. As a freshman, showed potential in a limited role on Saturday. Clearly has speed to burn and was aggressive defensively. You like to see that from a young player. It is telling that his experienced state championship head coach gave him some run in key moments on a big stage. Ferndale is an excellent developmental program that is in the midst of a rebuild. I expect to hear more from Williams in the next three and a half years.

In its 11th year, third location, and a different name. The 2K Showcase produced another outstanding two weekend event. The first event was marked by out of state contests and a FOUR overtime instant classic.

The second weekend turned into a showcase for Michigan's 2027 class. Which I covered in a previous write up. Going through my notes, another also began to emerge. New (and old) names in new locations. Through either transfer or just natural grade progression. Following are a list of those prospects.